Nullarbor National Park, Wilderness Protection Area and Regional Reserve

Where the vast desert landscape meets the dramatic sea cliffs. These turquoise waters of the Great Australian Bite are a natural breeding ground for the southern right whale - you might be lucky enough to spot one on your travels.

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Come and explore the world's largest semi-arid karst (cave) landscapes at the Nullarbor National Park and Regional Reserve. Most of the park's landscape is flat except where the surface has collapsed into sinkholes revealing large underground caverns.

Where the vast landscape meets the sea at Bunda Cliffs you can enjoy views spanning the coastline, while in the adjoining Far West Coast Marine Park you may get a chance to spot a southern right whale that comes to the area to breed in winter. The Head of the Bight Visitors Centre at the Eastern edge of the park offers a viewing platform from which to view whales and their calves between May and September.

The park contains many diverse species of flora and fauna, including the southern hairy-nosed wombat, dingos, and many species of birds. Despite its flat and reputedly featureless landscape, the Nullarbor offers the intrepid and patient visitor unparalleled serenity and a sense of remote beauty and isolation which is rare.

Pets in parks

Facilities

There are very limited facilities in the park. Please ensure you carry sufficient water, food and supplies for your entire visit. It is also a good idea to let a responsible person know of your intended movements and when you expect to return.

Outback Road Report

Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.

Pests and diseases

There are several pest species which survive the harsh conditions within the park. Camels periodically venture into the park, especially after rain. Similarly foxes and feral cats can be seen. Buffel grass is routinely controlled by the Aboriginal Rangers.

Traditional owners

The Nullarbor is the traditional home of the Mirning Aboriginal people who have strong cultural links with Ngalea, Kokotha, Wirangu, Pitjantjatjara, Nyananyatjara and Yankunytjatjara speaking people. The Mirning people were formally granted Native Title over the Nullarbor National Park in 2014, under the auspice of Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation. The Nullarbor National Park is now managed by a Co-Management Advisory Board of Mirning community members and DEWNR staff.

Words from the Nullarbor Parks Advisory Committee

We are made up of Mirning people, as well as government and community representatives. We look after the Nullarbor and its coastline.

Aboriginal South Australians are the first peoples of our State and have occupied, enjoyed and managed these lands and waters since the creation. For SA's First Peoples, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.

Aboriginal peoples' oral histories and creation stories traverse the length and breadth of Australia’s lands and waters, including South Australian Parks. These stories interconnect land and waters with complex meaning and values and hold great cultural significance. We recognise and respect Aboriginal people's ownership of their stories and that they hold rights and obligations to care for Country. It is through these rights and cultural obligations and a shared goal to protect the environment for generations to come that DEWNR is committed to meaningful collaboration and involvement with Aboriginal peoples in the management of our shared parks.

History

Following European settlement, the Nullarbor was the site of a number of pastoral ventures and there are a number of remnant sites including the historic Gilgerrabie and Koonalda Huts, within the park boundaries. The Nullarbor National Park was declared in 1979.

The Head of Bight picnic area also doubles as an education facility with a number of display boards displaying the habits, behaviours and other scientific curiosities relating to the southern right whale.

Bushwalking

There are no maintained walking trails other than the Boardwalk at the Head of the Bight. Bush walkers should take great care due to concealed and collapsed caves in some areas, and undercut cliffs along the Bunda Cliffs.

Stay in the park

Camp out under the stars in Nullarbor Wilderness protection area, see the link below for more details and booking.

Whale watching

Visit the Head of Bright Visitor Centre during May and September for your chance to watch majestic southern right whales cruise below the cliffs. The high cliff line provides fantastic views for land-based whale watchers. Boardwalks take visitors to two main viewing areas, one to the east and one to the west of the main pathway. The boardwalk ramps are sloped for wheel chair access.

From the boardwalk, you can marvel at the loping, diving and slow motion somersaults of these majestic whales. See these magnificent endangered creatures mate and calve in the nursery waters or simply watch them arrive from Antarctic waters with humpback whales. If you listen carefully you may even hear the moaning of the southern right whales as they swim within the bay.

Whales with calves tend to stay 'in residence' at the site all season

You are almost guaranteed to see a whale from June to September

At the height of the season (July/August), over 100 whales can be in the area at one time.

Camping

When camping in a National Park, it's important to remember the following:

Always let someone responsible know your travel plans, especially when travelling in remote areas. It's a good idea to let them know when you expect to return.

Check the weather forecast before you leave, including overnight temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology. Even during very mild weather, the nights can get very cold.

The quality and quantity of water cannot be guaranteed within parks. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self-sufficient.

Always camp in designated sites (where applicable) - do not camp beneath trees with overhanging branches, as they can drop without warning. It's also a good idea to check that there no insect nests nearby.

Check to make sure you're not camping in a natural waterway, flash floods can happen anytime.

If camp fires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Extinguish your camp fire with water (not sand or dirt) until the hissing sound stops.

Do not take your vehicle off the designated tracks. Wildlife can be threatened and precious habitat and indigenous sites can be damaged by off track driving.

Make sure you know what to do in the event of getting bogged and always carry a shovel.

When driving on sand, deflate your tyres as appropriate for your vehicle. Don’t forget to reinflate your tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before leaving the park. Take care when lowering tyre pressure as there is risk you could roll the tyre off its rim. Also, remember that lower tyre pressure can mean a change in how the vehicle handles.

Kimba

Wudinna

For online bookings enquiries please email:

Park pass

Holiday Park Pass and Multi Park Pass

Want to explore SA’s parks all year round? Purchase a Multi Park Pass (12 months), or a Holiday Park Pass (for 2 months) which entitles you to vehicle entry not just for this park, but up to an additional 10 parks as well!